CVE-2005-3131 in Mail Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in MERAK Mail Server 8.2.4r with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1, and possibly earlier versions, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) id parameter to blank.html, or the createdataCX parameter to (2) calendar_d.html, (3) calendar_m.html, or (4) calendar_w.html.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2025
The CVE-2005-3131 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting MERAK Mail Server 8.2.4r with Icewarp Web Mail 5.5.1 and potentially earlier versions. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the web-based email interface, creating exploitable entry points for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. The vulnerability specifically targets four distinct parameters across different calendar-related web pages, making it particularly dangerous as it affects core calendar functionality that users frequently interact with. The flaw resides in the server's handling of user-supplied data without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct attack vectors that leverage different parameters within the web mail interface. The first vector targets the id parameter in blank.html, while the second vector exploits the createdataCX parameter in calendar_d.html, calendar_m.html, and calendar_w.html. These parameters are processed by the server without adequate validation, allowing malicious input to be directly embedded into web responses. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of insufficient output escaping or encoding. Attackers can craft malicious scripts that execute when other users view calendar entries or navigate to affected pages, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3131 extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates persistent security risks within email environments where users regularly interact with calendar features. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors, steal user sessions, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The calendar functionality is particularly attractive to attackers because users often spend significant time interacting with these features, increasing the attack surface and potential for successful exploitation. The vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments where email servers serve as entry points. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where email systems are central to business operations and user communication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3131 should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding improvements within the affected web mail interface. Organizations should implement comprehensive parameter sanitization for all user-supplied inputs, particularly those used in dynamic content generation. The most effective immediate fix involves updating to patched versions of MERAK Mail Server and Icewarp Web Mail, as the vendor likely released security updates addressing these specific XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper Content Security Policy headers, input validation frameworks, and output encoding mechanisms can provide defense-in-depth measures. Network administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit these vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 for credential access through social engineering, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely on email-based authentication systems. Regular security audits and penetration testing of email infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the email ecosystem.